Congratulations to the first licensed paralegals in the state! Oregon has implemented a remarkable new program to help fill the gap in need for legal services, specifically in the areas of Family Law and Landlord-Tenant Law. The Oregon State Bar estimates that 84% of Oregonians have no legal representation when dealing with family or housing issues in court. That is a STAGGERING statistic. This means folks are representing themselves in court, which puts them at a significant disadvantage, and adds to the stress of an already difficult, vulnerable experience. Often, folks who find themselves dealing with family or housing legal issues do not have the financial resources to secure legal support from a lawyer. The licensed paralegal program will allow paralegals to provide a wide array of legal services at highly reduced costs, making these services more accessible to the people who need them. This is a huge win for equity, dignity, and accessibility. Best of luck to the incredible paralegals taking this step!
